In Roman architecture, the sloped inner roof of an atrium designed to direct rainwater toward a central opening for collection and drainage.
From Latin 'compluvium', composed of 'com-' (together) and 'pluvium' (rain), literally meaning 'where rain flows together.' The term has been used in architectural studies since the Renaissance rediscovery of Roman building techniques.
Roman houses were engineering marvels—the compluvium worked together with the impluvium (a sunken pool) to create a sophisticated water system that kept houses cool, supplied water, and even provided light through the central opening. Without understanding compluvium, you can't understand how wealthy Romans actually lived.
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